Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Locals reported hearing roughly several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
